The Role of System One and System Two in Clinical Reasoning

Asking people to slow down doesn't always help in clinical reasoning. Reflective practice can have a positive effect on complex cases. Experimental studies often favor system one processing with explicit cues, but in the real world, gathering information requires methodical thinking. The system one versus system two debate is a false dichotomy; both are needed. System one allows for thinking time and can be trusted in diagnostic decisions. Slowing down and reflecting without guidance may not correct errors. Cognitive biases can affect diagnostic accuracy, but learning about them may not necessarily improve accuracy.